Dissociative Amnesia Treatment Center Near Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you or a loved one is having difficulty managing symptoms of dissociative amnesia, we can help. The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center provides comprehensive care and evidence-based treatment methods for adults suffering from a variety of mental health concerns, including dissociative disorders such as dissociative amnesia.

What Is Dissociative Amnesia?

Dissociative amnesia, or psychogenic amnesia, is characterized by the inability to remember important personal information. This is typically related to traumatic or stressful events and is developed as a coping mechanism to keep you safe. When you experience stress or trauma, your brain can create a barrier to the negative memory as a way of trying to protect you.

In the case of dissociative amnesia, memory loss or memory repression is not due to a medical condition or substance use, but rather, related to past traumas or stress. This condition can vary in severity, from forgetting specific events to a complete loss of memory about your identity or life. There are several different kinds of dissociative amnesia, and all can benefit from treatment in the form of psychotherapy and other approaches to help you process and integrate your negative experiences.

Woman pulling her air while looking out a window.

What Causes Dissociative Amnesia?

Psychogenic amnesia causes are typically related to trauma, stress, and memory. Traumatic events, childhood-related trauma, high stress, substance abuse, or other psychological factors can all cause dissociative amnesia. For example, trauma-induced amnesia can occur because of sexual assault, war, or a natural disaster. Your brain works to protect you from negative feelings by creating a disconnect from the memory.

Stress-related memory loss occurs during moments of tension and stress, such as a divorce or job loss, when the brain attempts to avoid the distressing memory to cope. Childhood trauma and amnesia are often related, as well. Dissociative amnesia can form if you experienced violence, neglect, or instability in your formative years, causing your brain to block the negative experiences from your memory. Having co-occurring conditions such as PTSD and substance abuse can also cause dissociative amnesia to develop.

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Dissociative Amnesia?

Signs and symptoms of dissociative amnesia can vary in severity and manifest in several unique ways. One of the biggest signs that you or a loved one may be experiencing dissociative amnesia is a clear loss of memory. You may experience difficulty remembering things about yourself or your life, particularly regarding traumatic memories. If any of the below sypmtoms seem familiar to you, our team is available at (877) 958-9212

Let’s go over some of the symptoms of dissociative amnesia that you should be aware of:

Memory and Identity Loss Symptoms

  • Inability to recall specific events or details related to the traumatic experience;
  • Loss of memory about personal identity or biographical information; and/or
  • Gaps in memory that don’t align with normal forgetting.

Cognitive and Orientation Symptoms

  • Confusion or disorientation about who you are;
  • Uncertainty about where you are or how you got there; and/or
  • Difficulty tracking time or the sequence of events.

Emotional Symptoms

  • Anxiety or panic;
  • Agitation or restlessness;
  • Depression or persistent sadness; and/or
  • Emotional distress triggered by memory gaps.

Dissociation Patterns

  • Dissociative episodes that intensify during moments of stress;
  • Feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings; and/or
  • Experiences of “lost time” or feeling like an observer of your own life.

Avoidance Behaviors

  • Avoiding people who remind you of the trauma;
  • Staying away from places associated with the traumatic event;
  • Withdrawing from activities or situations that might trigger distressing memories; and/or
  • Self-protective isolation as a coping mechanism.

If you or someone you love is dealing with any of these symptoms, it may be dissociative amnesia. Call us at (877) 958-9212 to schedule a free assessment, and we can evaluate your symptoms to better provide tailored assistance and support for your unique situation. It can be scary to feel like you have gaps in your memory, but we are here to safely guide you on your path to healing.

What Are Treatment Options for Dissociative Amnesia?

There are many methods for addressing dissociative amnesia, and we will collaborate with you to determine which modalities work best for your individual circumstances. Here are some of the common interventions and forms of therapy used to treat dissociative amnesia:

TMS Therapy for Dissociative Amnesia

TMS Therapy for Dissociative Amnesia

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas, aiming to reactivate neural networks associated with memory retrieval. This stimulation can help you recover lost memories to better address them in talk therapy. While research is ongoing, early studies suggest that finding a TMS treatment program in South Florida for dissociative amnesia may be highly effective.

Music and Art Therapy for Dissociative Amnesia

Music and Art Therapy for Dissociative Amnesia

Music and art therapy use creative expression to access and process repressed memories. These artistic approaches can bypass psychological defenses, allowing you to explore emotions and experiences through sound, rhythm, shape, and color. By engaging in creative activities, you may be able to gradually reconnect with forgotten memories and get back in touch with your emotions and identity.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Dissociative Amnesia

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Dissociative Amnesia

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help you develop skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills enable you to manage overwhelming emotions that often accompany memory loss. DBT techniques can help you to be more present, reduce dissociative episodes, and help you feel safe processing and integrating lost or difficult memories.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Dissociative Amnesia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Dissociative Amnesia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be related to your memory loss. You will learn to challenge distorted beliefs, develop healthy coping skills, and confront situations that once felt unsafe. CBT could include cognitive restructuring and relaxation exercises to ease your processing work.

EMDR Therapy for Dissociative Amnesia

EMDR Therapy for Dissociative Amnesia

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is being used frequently in mental health treatment for dissociative amnesia. Using bilateral stimulation to process memories, EMDR can help you access and reprocess troubling memories, reducing their emotional impact. EMDR can alleviate dissociative symptoms, promote integration of traumatic experiences, and sometimes recover lost memories, making it a great approach for trauma-induced amnesia.

Woman anxiously plants her face in her hands

Dissociative Amnesia Affective Disorder Treatment Center in South Florida

Located in sunny South Florida at 7710 NW 71st Ct, Tamarac, FL 33321, The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center is an excellent choice if you are seeking dissociative amnesia treatment in Florida. Our holistic mental health center has numerous programs available to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. We even offer equine therapy, which has proven successful in addressing dissociation.

To learn more about our program offerings and how we can help you get control of your dissociative memory loss, please reach out to our compassionate patient advocates at (877) 958-9212. We can help you or your loved one heal and get back on track to enjoying all parts of life.

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What Are the Different Types of Dissociative Amnesia?

There are many different types of dissociative amnesia, and the treatment you receive will partially be based on the type of dissociative amnesia that you are diagnosed with. The brain is complex, so amnesia does not show up in the same way for everyone. Here are some of the subtypes of dissociative amnesia.

Localized Amnesia

Localized Amnesia

Localized amnesia is characterized by memory loss confined to a specific period or event, such as a car accident or natural disaster. While you may forget the details of this single incident or episode, you will retain related memories. Triggers such as sensory cues or reminders of the forgotten event can sometimes temporarily restore lost memories.

Selective Amnesia

Selective Amnesia

Selective amnesia involves the inability to recall certain kinds of memories while other memories are accessible. For example, a victim of a mugging might remember the night out but not the mugging event itself. However, overall cognitive functioning remains intact in selective amnesia. The selective nature of memory loss is what distinguishes it.

Generalized Amnesia

Generalized Amnesia

Generalized amnesia involves the extensive loss of personal memories and identity, resulting in a profound inability to recall life history, such as an accident that causes memory loss. You may not remember your name, family, or past experiences. Rebuilding a coherent sense of self is a major challenge in treating generalized amnesia.

Systematized Amnesia

Systematized Amnesia

Systematized amnesia involves the selective loss of memories related to a specific topic or theme. You could forget details related to your education, occupation, or other aspects of your life while retaining memories in other areas. This compartmentalized memory loss can be a coping mechanism and is sometimes a precursor to more extensive dissociative disorders.

Continuous Amnesia

Continuous Amnesia

Continuous amnesia is an ongoing form of amnesia where you are unable to retain new information or form new memories. You could have difficulty with your short-term memory (events, conversations, new people) while your long-term memory remains intact. Continuous amnesia is often associated with severe psychological trauma or neurological conditions affecting memory and information processing.

Dissociative Fugue

Dissociative Fugue

Dissociative fugue is a rare form of dissociative amnesia characterized by sudden, unexpected travel or wandering, accompanied by the inability to recall your life and past. An escapist coping mechanism, you could even assume a new identity in a new place. Recovery takes time and typically involves the gradual restoration of lost memories, slowly restoring your original identity.

Woman covering her eyes while battling mental health issues

What Is a Dissociative Amnesia Therapy and Treatment Center?

A dissociative amnesia therapy and treatment center specializes in addressing and managing symptoms of dissociative amnesia, helping you to recall memories and rebuild a cohesive sense of self. Trauma treatment centers and other wellness centers will create a tailored treatment plan based on the specific triggers and severity of your diagnosis.

While undergoing treatment, you will attend therapy utilizing modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other trauma-informed therapies to uncover, process, and integrate difficult memories. You could also be prescribed medications to address difficult symptoms. While there are no pharmacological treatments specific to amnesia, medications may be used to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. You may also engage in group or family therapy to increase connections and avoid feelings of isolation.

The goal of dissociative amnesia treatment at a behavioral health center is to foster emotional healing, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and create a safe and structured environment for you to come to terms with your memories and regain your sense of self.

What Types of Treatment Programs for Dissociative Amnesia Are Available in Florida?

The type of mental health program that you admit to will depend on the severity of your dissociative amnesia symptoms, your unique needs, and your overall goals for therapy. There are a number of program structures available to suit your particular set of circumstances.

Partial Hospitalization Program for Dissociative Amnesia

Partial Hospitalization Program for Dissociative Amnesia

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for dissociative amnesia will provide structured care for 4-6 days each week, several hours each day. This allows you to resume other aspects of your life outside of treatment and sleep at home. This format is excellent if you want in-depth care but don’t need 24/7 support.

In a PHP, you will work with your care team to process and integrate difficult memories through a variety of therapy modalities. You’ll develop skills to better cope with your stress and trauma, ultimately allowing you to improve your memory repression and overall quality of life.

Residential Treatment for Dissociative Amnesia

Residential Treatment for Dissociative Amnesia

Residential treatment for dissociative amnesia will offer constant, 24/7 access to care and support on your path to healing. You will live in the residential treatment facility and dedicate yourself to your recovery full-time. This is the most intensive program option and is good if you are suffering from severe episodes of dissociation requiring constant access to care.

In a residential treatment program, you’ll work with your care team and other program participants in both individual and group therapy sessions. You will learn more about your diagnosis and process your traumatic memories in a safe environment, learning skills through therapy to help you better manage moments of mental distress.

Intensive Outpatient Program for Dissociative Amnesia

Intensive Outpatient Program for Dissociative Amnesia

Like PHPs, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for dissociative amnesia don’t require you to reside in an inpatient treatment center. Instead, you’ll attend treatment for a few hours each day, 3-5 days each week, maintaining your life and obligations outside your sessions. An IOP is excellent if you want intensive support with a lower time commitment.

In an IOP, you will work with your care team to develop healthier coping skills and address the root cause of your trauma or stress. In this safe and structured environment, you will be able to integrate your negative past experiences into the present, so you no longer need to avoid them and can finally fully immerse yourself in your life.

Outpatient Program for Dissociative Amnesia

Outpatient Program for Dissociative Amnesia

Outpatient programs for dissociative amnesia treatment are the least intensive option. Once or twice a week, you’ll attend traditional psychotherapy sessions at an outpatient treatment center and work with a practitioner to process and integrate difficult memories. Outpatient programs are less intensive and best if you have a handle on your symptoms and/or are transitioning out of intensive care.

In these sessions, you’ll discuss your progress with your therapist, working to ensure that you are not experiencing dissociative episodes. You will hone in on distress management and the development of coping skills to equip yourself with the tools you need to be present in your mind and body.

Woman speaking with a therapist during a mental health assessment

Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Dissociative Amnesia?

Yes, health insurance will typically cover dissociative amnesia disorder therapies and treatment. Mental health treatment for dissociative amnesia disorder commonly includes a combination of therapy and medication management, both of which are commonly offered as an insurance benefit. Treatment for dissociative amnesia in Florida is likely covered to some extent by providers like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Carelon, and NYSHIP.

To make sure you are using your insurance plan to its full potential, it is wise to understand its ins and outs, including any fine print that may contain important details, such as prior authorization requirements. If you need help clarifying any components of your plan, we are happy to help you verify your insurance.

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What Is the Admissions Process for Dissociative Amnesia Treatment?

Admissions processes to medical treatment centers for dissociative amnesia vary from facility to facility, but there is often some overlap. If you are considering admitting to Sylvia Brafman for dissociative amnesia disorder treatment, here are some steps that you can expect:

  1. Initial Contact: After conducting research, reach out to our team of patient advocates to inquire whether we are accepting new patients and to schedule an appointment.
  2. Assessment and Evaluation: At your first appointment, you will provide background medical and mental health information and participate in an assessment to help us learn more about you and make a diagnosis.
  3. Insurance Verification and Coverage: You will work closely with our patient advocates to research and confirm the extent of your insurance coverage or discuss alternative payment solutions.
  4. Treatment Plan Development: We will colloborate with you to determine an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and treatment goals.
  5. Admissions Coordination: Our team of helpful patient advocates will review any final practical details, such as paperwork, payment, and medical records.
  6. Orientation and Program Introduction: Upon admission to our specialty treatment center, you will take a tour and meet your care team and other program participants.
  7. Active Participation in Treatment: You will attend regular therapy sessions individually and/or in a group to develop new skills and process underlying emotions.
  8. Progress Monitoring and Adjustments: We will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

What Is the Average Cost of Dissociative Amnesia Therapy and Treatment in Florida?

The cost of dissociative amnesia treatment in Florida will ultimately depend on a range of factors. These can include the treatment you choose, its duration, the therapist, and the details of your insurance policy. However, the average cost of dissociative amnesia treatment in Florida can range between $100 and $250 for a single outpatient therapy session out-of-pocket.

If these numbers seem daunting, know that the costs vary, and you do have options to ease the financial burden. If you have insurance, it can significantly offset the costs. If you do not, some recovery centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income or payment plans you can pay in installments over time.

Statistics and Information on Dissociative Amnesia

  • Dissociative amnesia has a prevalence of 1.8% and is the most commonly diagnosed dissociative disorder, according to a 2020 study in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science.
  • According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, women are more likely to be diagnosed with a dissociative disorder than men.
  • 4% of individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) meet the criteria for the dissociative variation of PTSD, experiencing both symptoms of PTSD and memory loss.
  • A 2023 Frontiers in Psychology article found that individuals who experience dissociative memory loss or amnesia present a “broad prefronto-temporo-limbic network dysfunction.”
  • Prevalence of dissociative amnesia disorder rates in individuals under psychiatric care is higher at 7-11%, according to a 2024 clinical decision support resource.